Let's face it. Dentists aren't the most popular people
around. I don't mean the dentist himself. He might be a great person, and his
staff could epitomize perfection in their skills, but going to the dentist
simply isn't fun. Even a routine cleaning is uncomfortable. In that respect I
feel bad for dentists. They know, and you know, they're going to hurt you.
Dentist Offices Can Be Intimidating
Kids are most susceptible to the angst of dental visits. On
the other hand, they are also the most prone to be convinced that going to the
dentist isn't quite so bad. I'm sure that's why they give out those trinkets to
the children after their visit to the office. Even though the dentist has stuck
his fingers and a tray full of scary looking pointy tools in the child's mouth
and made him gag, choke and spit, he wants it to end with a pleasant note.
"Here, kid. Have a nice plastic ring...and don't worry, the feeling in
your face will come back in an hour." Again, I feel sorry for the dentist
because that's a tough assignment. The child probably doesn't believe him, and
is silently planning his revenge for when he is older.
This Might Reduce the Anxiety Factor
What does this have to do with promotional products? Maybe
not a lot. But children do enjoy receiving the little doo-dads given to them
after their visit. Instead of the hokey plastic ring that is lost in the car
seat before they get home, why not provide something that the entire family can
utilize? One particular item would be a refrigerator magnet with your office
information on it. Another idea is a magnetic wipe-on wipe-off memo board
fashioned in the shape of a tooth that displays your name and phone number. The
children will enjoy the shaped magnets, and the parents can rely on them as a
reminder for future appointments, or in the case of the memo board they can use
it to leave messages or make notes for family members.
Give it a thought, check out a vendor and see what's
available. Having your office information in the home of each of your patients
will help assure they come in for routine checkups. That means healthier,
happier patients.
Maybe I don't need to feel so sorry for the dentist after
all.
Robert Barber lives in eastern Kansas with his wife and 3 sons, aged 28, 13 and
13. (Twins) Add a couple of dogs and a stray cat, too. He loves to ride his
Harley, and paints motorcycles as a hobby. Now he works for Healthy Promotion, a supplier of direct mail products for the Health Care Industry, and is a freelance writer as well.
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